Toppling Exeter will top my Weah moment

Curzon Ashton midfielder James Ogoo once played against former World Footballer of the Year George Weah.

But the Manchester hotel porter reckons the prospect of sending Exeter packing from the FA Cup will be the crowning moment of his life.

Ogoo, 26, represented Gambia three times after making a name for himself playing league football in the west African country.

In one game against Liberia in 2000, Ogoo found himself on the same pitch as former AC Milan and Chelsea striker Weah. Now the part-time midfielder plans to use his experience of the international stage to help Unibond First Division North minnows Curzon cause a Cup shock.

Ogoo, who works at Manchester’s Premier Inn Hotel, said: “Weah scored in the game I played against him. It ended 1-1 but he was fantastic, even though he was approaching the end of his career.

This is the FA Cup – and upsets do happen

Gary Lowe

“I enjoyed representing my country and I haven’t given up hope of playing for them again one day. Who knows what might happen if I can help Curzon Ashton have a good FA Cup run.”

Ogoo says he is living the dream after leaving Gambia for England when he was 17.

He is established as a key player at Curzon, whose former players include PFA chief executive Gordon Taylor and ex-Manchester City keeper Eric Nixon.

The club, formed in 1963 with the amalgamation of Curzon Road and Ashton Amateurs, normally play in front of crowds of about 150 at Tameside Stadium in Ashton-under-Lyne. But 10 times that number is expected for Exeter’s visit.

Boss Gary Lowe certainly believes his side is capable of an upset. Lowe, whose playing career included spells under Malcolm Allison at Crystal Palace and Manchester City, said: “There’s a gap of four divisions separating us from Exeter.

“But we’ve no fear – especially as we have a player who has played against George Weah!

“This is the FA Cup – and upsets do happen.”

Lowe, Curzon’s manager for the last eight years added: “It’s the biggest day in our history. Curzon started as an amateur club and played on park pitches.

“I haven’t been able to go and watch Exeter since the draw was made, but Port Vale very kindly sent us a DVD of their match when they played them earlier in the season.

“I’ve shown it to the players and I’m confident we will give a good account of ourselves.”

Curzon have already made about £30,000 in prize money from this season’s competition. Their FA Cup adventure started back on August 30 when they beat Runcorn Linnets in the preliminary round.

Harry Twamley, Curzon’s chief executive, said: “There’s around another £20,000 riding on this game. That kind of money for a club like ours can set us up for the rest of the season.

“It’ll be a tremendous occasion whatever the outcome. Gordon Taylor is our guest for the day while our club president Jack Crompton, who used to play for Manchester United, will also be present.”

Taylor will be in the stands and cheering on his home-town team. He said: “I’m perfectly happy to admit I’ll be supporting Curzon and would love to see them produce the shock the FA Cup is famous for.

“It’s wonderful to see them in the first round and staging such an attractive tie, particularly in view of the heartbreak they have suffered in twice losing in FA Vase semi-finals.

“I’d be delighted if they could get through – who knows, maybe they will.”

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